Population Stability Or Overload? Mohan Bhagwat’s 3-Child Suggestion Stirs Controversy

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has reignited the population policy debate with his call for parents to consider having three children instead of two. Speaking in Nagpur, Bhagwat cited concerns over India's fertility rate falling below the replacement level of 2.1, which he warned could lead to societal extinction over time. Highlighting the limitations of the decades-old "Hum Do, Hamare Do" policy, his remarks have triggered mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While some interpreted the statement as a veiled comment on the Muslim community, others questioned the feasibility of sustaining a larger population given India's resource constraints. Politicians like Owaisi and Sanjay Raut criticized the idea, citing existing population challenges, while a few, including an SP spokesperson, expressed guarded support for Bhagwat's call for re-evaluation. The debate also highlights India's demographic divide, with southern states experiencing declining fertility rates and an ageing population. The issue gains further relevance as states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu reconsider two-child policies in local governance. With parallels drawn to China’s reversal of its one-child policy due to economic pressures, the question looms: is it time for India to revisit its population policy to balance economic and cultural realities? Bhagwat’s comments have undoubtedly sparked a nationwide dialogue on the future of India’s demographic landscape.